Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 27, 2014

Metro Transit Police to conduct emergency response exercise Sunday, June 29, at Spring Hill Station


Drill to prepare responders for new Silver Line

Metro Transit Police, together with state and local emergency personnel, will conduct an emergency response exercise at Spring Hill Station on Sunday, June 29 to prepare for the opening of the Silver Line.

The goal of the exercise is to test response capabilities, build coordination and provide an opportunity to practice unified command on the new rail line.  In addition to Metro Transit Police and Metro’s Office of Emergency Management, participants will include the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department, the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management and Virginia State Police.  In addition, the Fairfax County Police Department and Virginia Department of Transportation will provide support.

The exercise will involve a disabled train requiring evacuation on an aerial structure near Route 7 and the Dulles Toll Road.  Responders will practice safely evacuating passengers with mobility limitations from the train using emergency equipment.

The exercise will begin at approximately 8 a.m. and is expected to take several hours to complete.  During the event, local residents may notice emergency personnel in the vicinity of the Spring Hill Station. Residents are advised that this is only a drill.

Traffic along the adjacent roadways—Route 7 and Spring Hill Road—will not be affected; however, one lane of Route 7 may be closed to allow for emergency vehicle staging.

This exercise is open the media.  Please follow the instructions below:

  • RSVP required.  Please email metronews@wmata.com or call (202) 962-1051 to RSVP.
  • Media should report to the South Entrance Pavilion at Spring Hill Station at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.  For driving directions use 1580 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner, Va., as your destination or simply click here.
  • Metro PIOs will provide an overview of the exercise and then escort media to optimal viewing locations.  The exercise will start at 8:00 a.m.
  • As a reminder, tripods are not permitted within Metrorail facilities.  Also, sturdy shoes are encouraged; no opened-toed footwear, please.

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News release issued at 10:07 am, June 27, 2014.